System for printing information on a mailing medium

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for printing information, such as postal indicia and other information, on a medium. The system is implemented by detecting a type of medium and entering a printing mode as a function of the type of medium detected. The printing mode is either an envelope printing mode or a tape/label printing mode. When in the envelope printing mode, a print module is positioned at a first position, and prints postal indicia data on a first area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a second position. Additional data is obtained and the additional data is printed on a second area of the envelope. The print module is then positioned at a third position and recipient address data is obtained and printed on a third area of the envelope. The print module is positioned at a fourth position, and sender address information is obtained and printed on a fourth area of the envelope.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to printing information on amailing medium. More particularly, this invention relates to controlcircuitry for a printing mechanism used in a value dispensing device,such as a postage meter, which accurately controls the printingmechanism so that postal indicia and other information are printed on aprint medium suitable for mailing, such as an envelope, a label or atape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Mailing machines for printing postage indicia on envelopes andother forms of mail pieces have enjoyed commercial success, both in theU.S. Postal Service and in industry mail rooms and private officeenvironments. Generally speaking, there are many different types ofmailing machines, ranging from relatively small units, which handle onlyone mail piece at a time to large, multi-functional units, which canseparate, feed, weigh, print postage indicia on and stack hundreds ofmail pieces per hour in a continuous stream operation. Thus, the modernmailing machine plays an important role in facilitating the rapid andefficient movement and other handling of mail.

[0003] Mailing machines have traditionally been capable of printingpostage indicia either directly on mail pieces, or on pieces of tape,which are then attached to mail pieces. Typically, the mailing machineis set to print the postage indicia on envelopes as they are fedseriatim along a feed deck by a suitable feeding mechanism, the printingoperation being carried out by a printing device that is part of apostage meter component of the mailing machine. The postage metercomponent has various control devices by which it can be set to print apredetermined amount of postage, together with other settableinformation, such as a date, within a pre-set design, the selectableinformation and the pre-set design all constituting the aforementionedpostage indicia.

[0004] Regardless of which type of printing device is utilized in thepostage meter, it is often necessary to print the postage indicia on astrip of tape, either gummed or adhesive backed, because it is notpossible to feed the mail piece on which it is desired to apply apostage indicia through the mailing machine. In many situations, forexample, the mail piece may be too thick to be fed through the normalfeeding path of the mailing machine, or it may be too large in area, orit may contain delicate material that could be damaged by the pressureexerted by the printing device of the postage meter. For whatever,reason, there are numerous occasions in the normal operating situationsof a mailing machine, where the postage indicia simply cannot be applieddirectly to the mail piece and must be applied to a strip of tape whichis then suitably adhered to the mail piece.

[0005] Digital printing technology includes thermal ink jet (bubblejet), piezoelectric ink jet, thermal printing techniques, and LED andlaser xerographic printing that all operate to produce images bydot-matrix printing. In dot-matrix ink jet printing individual printelements in the printhead (such as resistors or piezo electric elements)are either electronically stimulated or not stimulated to expel or notexpel respectively, drops of ink from a reservoir onto a substrate.Thus, by controlling the timing of the energizing of each of theindividual print elements in conjunction with the relative movementbetween the printhead and the mailpiece, a dot-matrix pattern isproduced in the visual form of the desired indicia.

[0006] Conventional printheads that are used to print information on amedium suitable for mailing, such as an envelope or adhesive tape, whichis affixed to an envelope, print postal indicia as the medium passesthrough an apparatus. One drawback to this is that the printhead is notable to print additional data on the medium as the medium is passedthrough the printhead.

[0007] One technique for controlling energizing of ink jet printheads isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,172, issued Sep. 28, 1998 to Moh,entitled, “Method And Structure for Controlling the Energizing of an InkJet Printhead in a Value Dispensing Device such as a Postage Meter”.This patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.While the technique described in that patent is useful to generateencoder pulses to a motor to activate the motor and to move theprinthead at a desired speed over a medium, it does not attempt toenable the printhead to print on a plurality of areas of an envelope ortape.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,900, issued Feb. 9, 1993 to Eisner et al.,entitled, “Envelope Addressing System Adapted to Simultaneously PrintAddressees and Bar Codes”. This patent relates to using one printheadfor each address line, i.e., four lines would require four printheads.The printheads are mounted so at least two of the printheads overlapeach other, which means that the printheads are positioned so that theyare not in sequence with the numbers of the lines being printed.Transport rolls are mounted at either end of the printhead with no othertransport rollers or transporting structures between the printheads. Anelectronic controller varies the time each of the printheads starts toprint to correspond to the spacing of that printhead so that all of thelines may be printed with an aligned margin. This system does not enablea printhead to print various information on a plurality of areas of amedium.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,441, issued Aug. 1, 1995, to Tuhro et al.,entitled, “Mail Preparation Copier With Mailing Address Identifications”relates to a digital copier with mail preparation functions. Thesefunctions include a document input scanner that derives an electronicrepresentation of an original document and a document editor that isresponsive to operator commands input from a user interface. A source ofsheets and envelopes are fed to the printer. The printer is controlledto create an image on the selected sheet or envelope according to thecreated envelope image. Postage amount is generated in response toreceived information about the weight of a document. A document creatorcombines the image from an identified area with a pre-stored envelopeimage. This system, however, does not control a printhead to enableeither a tape or an envelope to be printed, which includes postageindicia and additional information.

[0010] What is needed is an improved method and apparatus that permits aprint module to print postal indicia and other information by moving theposition of the print module and thereby achieve improved usage of themedium.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides an improved method and apparatusfor printing information, such as postal indicia and other information,on a medium.

[0012] Accordingly, one embodiment is directed to a method of printingon a medium. This method includes detecting a type of medium andentering a printing mode as a function of the type of medium detected inthe detecting step. The printing mode is either an envelope printingmode or a tape/label printing mode. When in the envelope printing mode,a print module is positioned at a first position, and prints postalindicia data on a first area of the envelope. The print module is thenpositioned at a second position. Additional data is obtained and theadditional data is printed on a second area of the envelope. Thisadditional data, which could be virtually any information that would fiton the medium, typically includes slogan information, change of addressinformation, delivery instructions and the like. The print module isthen positioned at a third position and recipient address data isobtained and printed on a third area of the envelope.

[0013] Next, the print module is positioned at a fourth position, andsender address information is obtained and printed on a fourth area ofthe envelope.

[0014] It is another embodiment of the present invention that when inthe tape printing mode, the print module is positioned at a fifthposition, and indicia is printed on a first portion of the tape. Themultiple printing positions on the tape are only constrained by thedimensions of the tape itself.

[0015] It is yet another embodiment of the present invention that theprint module is positioned at a sixth position and additional tapeinformation is obtained and printed on a second portion of the tape.

[0016] Yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to a methodof printing on a medium, such as an envelope. This method includes afirst positioning step of positioning a print module at a firstposition. Next, postal indicia information is printed on a first area ofthe medium. A second positioning step positions the print module at asecond position and during a second printing step, a second type ofinformation is printed on a second area of the medium.

[0017] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a thirdpositioning step of positioning the print module at a position, whichmay be the same position as the first position. A third printing stepprints a third type of information on a third area of the envelope.

[0018] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a fourthpositioning step of positioning the print module at a fourth position,and a fourth printing step of printing a fourth type of information at afourth area of the envelope.

[0019] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includespositioning a second print module on an opposite side of the envelopefrom the first position, and printing information on the opposite sideof the envelope.

[0020] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes atape-positioning step of positioning the print module at a tape-printingposition and printing indicia on a tape.

[0021] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a secondtape-positioning step of positioning the print module at a second-tapeprinting position, and printing additional data on the tape.

[0022] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes athird-tape positioning step of positioning the print module at a thirdtape printing position, and printing return address data on the tape.

[0023] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to amethod of printing on a medium that has an adhesive surface. The methodincludes a first positioning step of positioning a print module at afirst position. Next a first printing step prints postal indicia on afirst area of the medium. A second positioning step positions the printmodule at a second position, and a second printing step prints secondinformation on a second area of the medium.

[0024] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a thirdpositioning step of positioning a print module at a third position, anda third printing step of printing third information on a third area ofthe medium.

[0025] Yet another embodiment of the present invention relates to anapparatus for printing on a medium. The apparatus includes a firstsupport member adapted to support a first medium and a second supportmember adapted to support a second medium;

[0026] A detection module detects one of the first medium or the secondmedium and a print module is adapted to print data on the detectedmedium.

[0027] When the detection module detects the first medium, the printmodule is disposed in a first position to print postal indicia data on afirst area of the first medium, and the print module is then positionedin a second position to print second data on a second area of the firstmedium.

[0028] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a secondprint module positioned on an opposite side of the envelope from thefirst position. The second print module prints information on theopposite side of the envelope.

[0029] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is that thedetection module determines information printed on the medium, and theprint module prints information on the medium according to thedetermination of the detection module.

[0030] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to amethod of printing on a medium. The method includes determining a typeof medium and determining dimensions of the medium. A first positioningstep positions a print module at a first position and a first printingstep prints postal indicia information on a first area of the medium.When the dimensions of the medium exceed a first threshold, a secondpositioning step positions the print module at a second position, and asecond printing step prints second information on a second area of themedium.

[0031] When the dimensions of the medium exceed a second threshold,which is larger than the first threshold, a third positioning steppositions the print module at a third position and a third printing stepprints third information on a third area of the medium.

[0032] Yet another embodiment of the invention includes detecting thepresence or absence of data, such as a destination address, or asender's address, on the medium, and positioning the print module as afunction of the detection.

[0033] Yet another embodiment is directed to an apparatus for printingon a medium. The apparatus includes means for detecting a type ofmedium. This means includes a sensor, switch or detector thatestablishes whether a tape, envelope or label is to be printed. When afirst type of medium is detected, means for positioning a print moduleat a first position position the print module at the first position. Thepositioning means can be a portion of a print module controlled by acontroller, which receives command data from a user or memory. Theapparatus also includes means for printing postal indicia data on afirst area of the envelope (the print means are suitably any print headas described herein) and means for positioning the print module at asecond position. The apparatus also includes means for obtainingadditional data and means for printing the additional data on a secondarea of the envelope. This is achieved by retrieving additional datafrom a memory or a user interface and printing the data using a printingdevice. The apparatus also includes means for positioning the printmodule at a third position and means for obtaining recipient addresscontent data. These means are suitably similar to the means describedabove, specifically, a processor controlled apparatus to position aprint module and a memory for storing recipient data, which is downloaded and printed by the print module. The apparatus also has means forprinting the recipient address data on a third area of the envelope andmeans for positioning the print module at a fourth position. Theapparatus also includes means for obtaining sender address informationand means for printing the sender address information on a fourth areaof the envelope.

[0034] Yet another embodiment of the invention is that when a secondtype of medium is detected, means for positioning the print module at afifth position, and means for printing indicia on a first portion of thetape.

[0035] Yet another embodiment of the invention includes means forpositioning the print module at a sixth position, means for obtainingadditional tape information, and means for printing the additional tapeinformation on a second portion of the tape.

[0036] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to anapparatus for printing on an envelope. The apparatus includes means forpositioning a print module at a first position, means for printingpostal indicia information on a first area of the envelope, means forpositioning the print module at a second position, and means forprinting a second type of information on a second area of the envelope.

[0037] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes meansfor positioning the print module at a third position, and means forprinting a third type of information on a third area of the envelope.

[0038] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes meansfor positioning the print module at a fourth position, and means forprinting a fourth type of information at a fourth area of the envelope.

[0039] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes meansfor positioning a second print module on an opposite side of theenvelope from the first position, and means for printing information onthe opposite side of the envelope.

[0040] Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes meansfor positioning the print module at a tape-printing position and meansfor printing indicia on a tape.

[0041] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to anapparatus for printing on a medium that has an adhesive surface. Theapparatus includes means for positioning a print module at a firstposition, means for printing postal indicia on a first area of themedium, means for positioning the print module at a second position, andmeans for printing second information on a second area of the medium.

[0042] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to anapparatus for printing on a medium. The apparatus includes means fordetermining a type of medium, means for determining dimensions of themedium, means for positioning a print module at a first position, meansfor printing postal indicia information on a first area of the medium.When the dimensions of the medium exceed a first threshold, means forpositioning the print module at a second position, and means forprinting second information on a second area of the medium.

[0043] When the dimensions of the medium exceed a second threshold, thesecond threshold being larger than the first threshold, means forpositioning the print module at a third position, and means for printingthird information on a third area of the medium.

[0044] Yet another embodiment of the invention includes means fordetecting the presence or absence of a destination address on themedium, and means for positioning the print module as a function of thedetection.

[0045] Yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to anapparatus for printing on a medium. The apparatus includes a supportmember adapted to support a medium, a print module positioned to printon a medium while the medium is disposed on the support member and aprocessor, operatively connected to the print module, adapted to providecontrol instructions to the print module such that the print moduleprints postal indicia on a first area of the medium, additionalinformation on a second area of the medium and recipient addressinformation on a third area of the medium.

[0046] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to amethod and apparatus downloading information to a peripheral mailingmachine, which includes a print module, a PC and an interface to anetwork, such as the Internet. The apparatus and corresponding methodinclude sensing a type of medium that is to be printed on andpositioning a print module at a first position based on the type ofmedium sensed in the sensing step. Next, postal indicia information isprinted on the medium and the print module is positioned at a secondposition. Then, second information is printed on the medium, the secondinformation retrieved from a remote location via a network.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The above and other aspects of the present invention will beapparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, takenin conjunction with accompanying drawings, in which like referencecharacters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

[0048]FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a representative mailing machineembodying the principles of the present invention.

[0049]FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of control circuitry of thepresent invention, incorporated in a postage meter.

[0050]FIGS. 3A and 3B show a flowchart of steps to implement oneembodiment of the present invention.

[0051]FIG. 4 shows that the present invention can be utilized withmailing machines, copier machines and facsimile machines.

[0052]FIG. 5 is block diagram of a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0053]FIG. 6 is flowchart of steps to implement a third embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0054]FIG. 7 shows a label with postal indicia and additionalinformation printed thereon.

[0055]FIGS. 8A and 8B show a mailing medium according to the presentinvention.

[0056]FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a mailing machine that uses thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0057] The present invention enables a printer module to be positionedat numerous locations as a print medium, which is typically an envelope,mailing label or tape, is moving relative to the print module. Theamount of information printed on the medium is a function of theavailable area of the medium, as well as any information that is on themedium prior to the printing process. Indicia, such as postal indiciaand many types of additional data, such as slogan information, deliveryinstructions, contact information, mail stop information, messageinformation, recipient's address information, sender's addressinformation and the like can be printed on the medium. Generallyspeaking, additional information is any information that is printed onthe medium in addition to the postal indicia.

[0058]FIG. 1 shows a representative mailing machine 10 embodying theprinciples of the present invention. Frame 11 suitably supports thecomponents of the mailing machine 10, including an elongate guide plate12 which extends through the mailing machine 10, the underside of whichdefines a printing plane for the upper surface of envelopes E, and inconjunction with an endless belt 14, a feed path along which theenvelopes are fed. The envelopes E are fed along the feed path by thelower run of the belt 14 that projects through an elongate slot in theguide plate 12 so as to cooperate with a plurality of back up rollers18. The rollers 18 are rotatably mounted on the free ends of arms 20that are pivotally connected to a suitable housing 22 that is part ofthe frame 11, and are urged upwardly against the envelope E by suitablebiasing means such as the springs 24. The belt 14 is supported by a pairof rollers 26, one of which is driven by a motor (not shown). There aretypically two rows of back up rollers 18 so as to ensure that theenvelope E is adequately supported and maintained flat against theunderside of the guide plate 12.

[0059] A tape T of indefinite length is suitably stored in the mailingmachine 10 on a roll 32 mounted in a housing 33 and is fed upwardly fromthe roll 32 by a pair of feed rollers 34 and 36, the roller 36 alsoserving to feed the tape T into a throat 38 defined by the underside ofthe guide plate 12 and the upper surface of a pressure plate 40 that ismovably mounted to press the tape T against the underside of the guideplate 12 in response to a spring 42 captured between the pressure plate40 and a suitable housing 44 formed in the frame 11. Another pair offeed rollers 46 draws the tape T through the mailing machine 10 andfeeds individual lengths of tape to a retrieval location after they havebeen printed and severed from the strip. The feed roller pair 34 and 36and the feed rollers 46 are suitably driven by a motor (not shown)suitably connected to both pairs of feed rollers. The location of thetape T and the path of movement thereof, as defined by the location ofthe pair of feed rollers 34 and 36, the pressure plate 40 and the feedrollers 46, is disposed in offset parallel relationship to the feed pathfor the envelope, so that the respective feed paths are separate fromone another. It should be understood that the principles of the presentinvention are applicable to mailing machines which have the capabilityof weighing mail pieces while they are being transported through themailing machines, so that appropriate postage can be selected in thepostage meter component of such mailing machines for printing on eachindividual mail piece. In machines of this type, the entire envelopefeed mechanism, including the guide plate 12, the belt 14, the rollers26, the backup rollers 18 and the supporting structure therefor, and thehousing 22 would all be mounted as a unit on a load cell, in a mannerwell known in the art, so that the weight of an envelope being fedthrough the mailing machine could be detected by the load cell andtransmitted to a postage meter, again in a manner known in the art.

[0060] The mailing machine 10 includes a printing device, indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 50. The printing device 50 is mountedon a pair of spaced apart parallel rails 52 by means of suitable slidingbrackets (not shown), the rails 52 being supported by fixed brackets 56mounted on the frame 11 and extending in a direction perpendicular tothe direction of feed of envelopes E and the tape T through the mailingmachine 10. The printing device 50 is moved back and forth along therails 52 by an endless belt supported on a pair of rollers (belt androllers not shown). Reversible motor 62 drives at least one roller. Theprinting device 50 is connected to the belt 58 by a suitable bracket 64.

[0061] The printing device 50 is typically an ink jet printhead such asany of those mentioned above. This printing device 50 includes a nozzleplate having an array of very small nozzles through which small dropletsof ink are ejected in a predetermined pattern under the control ofsuitable software so as to create a desired image on a receiving mediummoving past the printing device 50. The data printed by the printingdevice 50 can be input by a user interface (shown in FIG. 2) ordownloaded from a memory. The data can be associated in batches, suchthat particular recipient address data will be associated withparticular sender address data. Thus, all mailing medium with aparticular data can be grouped together. This is especially useful forinvitations to an event such as a wedding in which some of the guestsare invited by one party (bride's family) and other guests are invitedby another party (groom's family). This way, the sender's address willbe associated with particular recipients. This data can be provided byeach party and thereby facilitate the mailing of invitations to theinvitees.

[0062]FIG. 2 shows an electrical block diagram of a postage meter 110implementing the present invention. Postage meter 110 includes twoprimary modules, a base module 103 and a printhead module 105. Basemodule 103 includes a vault microprocessor 107 and a transactionmicroprocessor 109. Vault microprocessor 107 has software and associatedmemory to perform conventional accounting functions of postage meter110. For example, vault microprocessor 107 has the capability to havedownloaded therein a predetermined amount of postage funds. During eachpostage transaction, vault microprocessor 107 determines if sufficientfunds are available. If sufficient funds are available, vaultmicroprocessor 107 debits the amount from a descending register, addsthe amount to an ascending register, and sends the postage amount to theprint module, also referred to as print head herein, 105 via thetransaction microprocessor 109. Transaction microprocessor 109 alsosends date data to the printhead module 105 so that a complete indiciaimage can be printed on a medium.

[0063] Vault microprocessor 107 manages the postage funds with theascending register representing the lifetime amount of postage fundsspent, the descending register representing the amount of fundscurrently available, and a control sum register showing the runningtotal amount of funds that have been credited to the vaultmicroprocessor 107. Additional features of vault microprocessor 107 thatcan be included are a piece counter register, encryption algorithms forencoding the information sent to the printhead module 105, and softwarefor requiring a user to input a personal identification number that mustbe verified by the vault microprocessor 107 prior to its authorizing apostage transaction.

[0064] Transaction microprocessor 109 coordinates and assists thetransfer of information along bi-directional data lines 101 and 112between the vault microprocessor 107 and the printhead module 105,respectively, as well as coordinating various support functionsnecessary to complete the metering function. Transaction microprocessor109 interacts with keyboard 111 to transfer user information inputthrough keyboard keys 111 a (such as PIN number, postage amount) to thevault microprocessor 107. Additionally, transaction microprocessor 109sends data to a liquid crystal display 113 via a driver/controller 115for the purpose of displaying user inputs or for prompting the user foradditional inputs. Moreover, transaction microprocessor 109 providespower, clock, and a reset signal to vault microprocessor 107 viarespective lines 117, 118, and 119. A clock 120 provides date and timeinformation to transaction microprocessor 109. Alternatively, clock 120can be eliminated and the clock function can be accomplished by thetransaction microprocessor 109.

[0065] Postage meter 110 also includes a conventional power supply 121that conditions raw AC voltages from a wall mounted transformer 123 toprovide the required regulated and unregulated DC voltages for thepostage meter 110. Voltages are output via lines 125, 127, and 129 torespectively a printhead motor 131, printhead 133 (which is suitably apiezoelectric printhead, but may also be a laser printhead or an ink jetprinthead) and all logic circuits. Motor 131 is used to control themovement of the printhead 133 relative to the mailpiece upon whichindicia information and other information is to be printed. Base module103, via transaction microprocessor 109, controls the supply of power tomotor 131 to ensure the proper starting and stopping of printhead 133movement after vault microprocessor 107 authorizes a postagetransaction.

[0066] Memory module 65 is coupled to print module 105. Memory module 65is suitably RAM or other computer memory with sufficient capacity tostore information to be printed by the print module 105. Thisinformation includes slogan information, recipient address information,sender address information, postal rate information, license informationand any other information that is printed on either an envelope, tape ormailing label.

[0067] Base module 103 also sends an encoder signal 134, via line 135,that correlates to the number of pulses sent by base microprocessor 103to stepper printhead motor 131 so that the exact position of printhead133 can be determined based on encoder signal 134. Encoder signal 134 issent to printhead module 105 to synchronize the energizing of individualprinthead elements 133 a in printhead 133 with the positioning ofprinthead 133 by motor 131.

[0068] Printhead module 105 includes printhead 133, a printhead driver137, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 139, amicroprocessor 141 and a nonvolatile memory (NVM) 143. NVM 143 hasstored therein image data of the fixed indicia and image data for eachindividual font that can be required as part of the variable data of apostage indicia to be printed by postage meter 110. Microprocessor 141receives a print command, postage amount, and date via the transactionmicroprocessor 109. The postage amount and date are sent frommicroprocessor 141 to the ASIC 139 which then accesses non-volatilememory 143 (having addresses A1-VAO . . . ) to obtain image datatherefrom which is then downloaded by ASIC 139 to the printhead driver137 in order to energize individual printhead elements 133 a to producea single column dot pattern of the indicia. The individualcolumn-by-column generation of the indicia is synchronized with movementof printhead 133 until the full indicia is produced. Thecolumn-by-column generation of the postage indicia includes use of thevariable address registers 145-145 h and buffer 147 of ASIC 139.

[0069] The control circuitry for printhead 133 will now be described inmore detail. The printhead control circuitry primarily includes ASIC139, driver chip 137 and printhead 133.

[0070] Driver chip 137 has a shift register 149 and a second register151 contained therein. ASIC 139 has variable address registers 145-145 hand buffer 147. ASIC 139 sends image data from buffer 147, via data line153, in a serial manner to shift register 149 together with a clocksignal via clock line 155. Buffer 147 contains a single column of imagedata which is downloaded into shift register 149. When ASIC 139 sends alatch signal, via line 157, the single column of image data contained inshift register 149 is latched into register 151 so that the next columnof image data can be sent from ASIC 139 and downloaded into shiftregister 149. Subsequently, upon receipt of first and second fire pulsesignals 159, 161, the even numbered and odd numbered nozzles 133 a arerespectively energized to deposit ink drops on a recording mediumsurface. That is, when fire pulse 159 is in an active state, the oddnumbered nozzles (1, 3, 5, . . . ) are fired or not fired depending uponthe corresponding bit value in register 151 associated therewith andwhen fire pulse 161 is in its active state the even numbered nozzles (2,4, 6, . . . ) are fired or not fired depending upon the bit valuecontained in the corresponding address of register 151.

[0071] Register 163 is a programmable register, the value of which canbe easily changed based on input by an operator via keyboard 111 andassociated software contained in microprocessor 141. Registers 169 and171 are used to store pulse widths and a time delay, respectively.

[0072] DPLL module 173 is coupled to base module 103 via line 135 andprovides input to driver chip 137. MUX module 179 receives inputs, shownas lines 177 and 127 and outputs data to printhead 133.

[0073] Upon completion of the postal indicia printing process, the printmodule 105, including print head 133 is moved to a second position toprint additional information on a second area of the medium. The printmodule can be moved repeatedly to print information on other areas ofthe medium.

[0074]FIG. 3 shows a flowchart 20 of steps used to implement oneembodiment of the present invention. These steps are suitably stored ona computer readable medium, such as a floppy diskette, CD ROM, ROM, RAMor PROM. Block 202 is a start block. In block 204, the print medium isdetected. The print medium is for example, an envelope, postcard,mailing label or tape, on which information is printed. Block 206 is adecision block that determines which mode the apparatus should operate.If a tape is detected, line 208 leads to block 212 in which the printmodule is positioned at a first tape printing position. This istypically accomplished by the tape medium being passed through the printmodule and the print module moves from the maintenance position to aposition suitable for printing on a tape. Block 213 shows that indiciainformation is obtained. This can be accomplished by retrieving theindicia data from memory or a user inputting the information from a userinterface. Block 214 shows that postal indicia is then printed on thetape at a first area of the tape. After the postal indicia is printed onthe tape, the print module is moved to another position, as shown inblock 216. Additional information is obtained, either from memory oruser input, as shown in block 217. Block 218 shows that additionalinformation is printed on the tape. This additional informationtypically includes any combination of slogan information such as“conserve energy” or “don't smoke”, temporary address information, mailstop information, forwarding address information, postal rateinformation, date information, licensing information, inadequate postageinformation, the time the medium was printed, contact information that aperson should be notified when the article is received, further deliveryinstructions, change of address and forwarding address information, andthe like. The print module can be further positioned to print moreadditional information on the tape. Block 219 determines whether thereis more additional information. If so, line 221 leads to block 216. Whenthere is no more information to be printed, line 220 leads to end block260.

[0075] If an envelope or label is detected in block 206, line 210 leadsto block 222 in which the print module is positioned at a first printingposition. In block 224, postal indicia information is obtained. A postalindicia is printed on the envelope as shown in block 226. This istypically at a specified area of the medium to comply with U.S. PostOffice regulations. Block to 228 shows that the print module is moved toa second area of the medium and block 230 shows additional data, such asslogan information is obtained, either from memory or a user interface.In block 232, the additional (slogan) information is printed. In block234 the print module is moved to a third area of the medium and block236 shows that second additional data, such as a recipient's address isobtained, either from memory or a user interface. In block 238, thesecond additional (recipient's address) information is printed. Blocks240, 242, 244, 246, 248 and 250 show that the process is repeated toprint still more information on the medium. Block 252 determines whetheror not the printing procedure is complete. If more information is to beprinted, line 254 leads to block 256, which shows the process isrepeated. When there is no more information, line 258 leads to end block260.

[0076]FIG. 4 shows that multiple devices can be driven by a centralunit. The central unit with address software is indicated as block 302.This unit typically includes a processing unit and memory. Theprocessing unit is any suitable processor, such as a 486 or greater,available from Intel. The memory is suitably any adequate memory forstoring the information. The address software can be downloaded to amailing machine, shown as block 304, a copier machine, shown as block306, or a facsimile machine, shown as block 308.

[0077]FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment 42 of the present invention.Start block 402 indicates that mailing medium is stuffed with materialto be mailed to a receiver location. Block 404 shows that the mailingmedium is scanned. Block 408 shows that the mail piece can be folded orotherwise processed. Block 410 shows that the mailing media has moistureapplied to it so that an adhesive portion will adhere to a secondportion of the mailing medium. Block 412 shows that the mailing mediumis folded in such a way as to enable mailing through the U.S.P.S. Block414 shows the sealing process. Block 416 shows that the mailing mediumwith the materials to be sent to the recipient is weighed. Block 418shows the printing, which is performed by the apparatus describedherein. This printing includes controlling the print module so thatpostal indicia is printed when the print module is in a first positionand additional information is printed while the print module is in asecond position. The print module can be positioned so as to printrecipient data and sender data as well. After the printing is complete,the sealed mailing material is placed in a dispatch bin for delivery.

[0078]FIG. 6 shows a flowchart 50 of another embodiment of the presentinvention, which is suitably stored on a computer readable medium, suchas a diskette, CDROM, ROM, PROM. The steps are also suitably stored at aserver location and downloaded via an interconnection, such as theInternet, to a remote terminal. As shown by the steps 50, block 502 is astand-by block in which the apparatus is in a power conserving or sleepmode. Line 504 connects block 502 to decision block 506, whichdetermines whether an envelope or a tape medium, or a label or postcardis to be printed on. If a medium other than an envelope, i.e., tape,postcard or label, is established, line 508 leads to block 509 in whichindicia is determined or additional processing is determined. Thisinformation is retrieved from an associated database, which stores, forexample, postal rate information, recipient address information, senderaddress information and slogan information. If postal indicia is theonly information to be printed, line 512 lead to block 518 which is aconventional processing procedure, which enables a print module to printindicia on the medium (e.g., tape, postcard or label).

[0079] If there is additional information other than the indicia, line514 leads to block 520 in which the print module is controlled such thatindicia is printed on a first area of the tape, then the print module ispositioned in another position such that additional information, such asslogan information is printed on a second area of the medium. The printmodule can then be positioned in yet another position and still otherinformation can be printed. This may include destination addressinformation. The actual content of the additional information is afunction of what is stored in memory and can include virtually anyinformation such as temporary address information, mail stopinformation, forwarding address information, postal rate information,date information, licensing information, inadequate postage informationand other information that is desired. Sender address information canalso be printed either in a designated area of the envelope or on thereverse side of the envelope.

[0080] If decision block 506 determines that an envelope is to beprinted, line 510 leads to block 528 which determines whether there is aletter leaving the sealer apparatus. If not, line 524 leads to back tostand-by block 502. If a letter is leaving the sealer, line 530 leads toblock 532, which determines whether or not there is an automated system.If not, line 534 leads to block 548 which shows that there is nodetection of a printing area and the instructions are taken uponselection from memory.

[0081] If block 532 determines there is an automatic system, line 536leads to decision block 538 which determines whether there is adestination address present. If not, line 540 leads to block 542 inwhich memory is examined for destination address data. If destinationaddress data is found, such information is stored in a printer register.Line 544 connects to line 550, which leads to block 552, which enablesthe system to determine whether return address information is present.If not, line 556 leads to block 558, which shows that the mode isdetermined. Line 564 leads to block 568 in which various possible modesare established. One possible mode is a regular return address. A secondpossible mode is to match the return address to a destination. A thirdpossible mode is a batch return address. Line 569 leads to block 570,which retrieves from memory return address information and stores suchinformation at a print register. Once the return address has beenestablished line 562 intersects with line 560.

[0082] Line 560 leads to block 572, which determines whether or notthere is a slogan required. If yes, line 574 leads to block 576 in whichmemory is examined for slogan information that is stored in a printregister. Line 578 intersects with line 580 to decision block 582 todetermine whether there are any other instructions. If yes, line 584leads to block 586 in which a mode is examined. Line 588 leads to block590 in which the return data is retrieved from memory. Line 592 leads toblock 594 in which detection of a leaving edge of an envelope isestablished.

[0083] If in block 582, it is determined that there are not otherinstructions, line 596 leads to block 594. From block 594, line 595leads to block 598 in which the print module is moved from a maintenanceposition to a first envelope printing position to print postal indiciainformation on a first area of the envelope. The print module is thenpositioned at a second envelope printing position to print additionalinformation, such as the address information, on a second area of theenvelope. Next the print module is positioned at a third position toprint more information, such as slogan information, on a third area ofthe envelope. Block 599 is an end block.

[0084] In another embodiment, a second print module can be positioned sothat information is printed on the reverse side of the envelope. Thismerely requires controlling the second print module to print while theenvelope is passing through a path of a mailing machine.

[0085]FIG. 7 shows a portion of tape, or label or other medium with anadhesive surface 70 that has been printed. Area 702 represents an areaupon which the postal indicia is printed. This indicia can includesecure and non-secure information, and the print module can multiplexbetween the printing of secure and non-secure information. The secureinformation can include encrypted information or bar code information orany combination thereof. Area 708 represents an area of the tape uponwhich slogan information is printed. Area 704 represents an area uponwhich a recipient's address is printed. Area 710 represents an area uponwhich can be printed additional information such as license agreementinformation, time stamp, etc. Area 706 represents an area upon whichreceiver address information can be printed.

[0086]FIGS. 8A and 8B show various portions of a mailing material,specifically an envelope. FIG. 8A shows a front side 60 with indiciaarea 602, recipients address area 604, sender's address area 606 andslogan information area 608. There are also other areas such as 610 thatcan be used to print information such as a change of address, licenseinformation, etc. These described areas are printed by changing theposition of a print module so that each area is printed while the printmodule is in a specified position while the envelope is passed throughthe print module. The information can input from a user interface ordown-loaded from an associated memory. Also, a user can supply theinformation on a CDROM, diskette, or website.

[0087]FIG. 8B shows an opposite side 62 of the envelope in whichadditional information can be printed in area 614 and a return addressinformation can be printed in area 612. This is accomplished bypositioning a second print module such that the information can beprinted on the reverse side while the envelope is passing through theprint module.

[0088]FIG. 9 illustrates a representative simplified form of electricaland electronic control system for a mailing machine 90. A microprocessor980 is provided which controls the principal operational features of themailing machine 90. An envelope/tape selector switch 982 is provided ona control panel for the mailing machine 90 and functions to set themicroprocessor 980 in an envelope or tape printing mode. A sensor switch984 is mounted in the path of an incoming envelope and functions tocause the microprocessor 980 to commence a cycle of operation of themailing machine 90.

[0089] If a user wishes to print a postage indicia directly onenvelopes, he/she activates the envelope/tape control switch 982 toselect the envelope-printing mode. When an envelope is inserted into themailing machine, either manually or by an automatic feeding device, itcontacts the sensing switch 984 which activates the microprocessor 980to energize the motor 962 to move the printing module 950 from themaintenance position to the first printing position so that it willprint the postage indicia directly on the envelope. When the printingmodule 950 reaches the printing position, as determined by the Hallsensor 977, the microprocessor 980 then energizes the motor 928 to movea belt (not shown) to feed the envelope. During the movement, a suitableposition monitoring device, such as the optical encoder 983 coupled tothe drive motor 928 for the belt, monitors the movement of the envelopealong the feed path.

[0090] When the encoder 983 determines that the envelope is in theproper position to receive the postage indicia, the microprocessor 980causes the printing module 950 to commence the printing operation. Theencoder 983, through the microprocessor 980, controls the operation ofthe ink ejection devices in the printing module 950 for each of thenozzles to ensure the printing of a high quality postage indicia in afirst area of the envelope. When the indicia is fully printed, the printmodule 950 is moved into a second position to print other information,such as slogan information, in a second area of the envelope. When theslogan information is fully printed, the print module 950 is moved intoa third position to print still other information, such as recipient'saddress information, in a fourth area of the envelope. Next the printmodule 950 can be positioned in a fifth position to print yet moreinformation, such as sender address information, on a fifth area of theenvelope. When the print module 950 has completed all printingoperations, the microprocessor 980 terminates printing operation of themailing machine 90 and the belt ejects the envelope from the mailingmachine 90. If no further envelopes are to be printed, themicroprocessor 980 again energizes the motor 962 to cause the printingmodule 950 to return to the maintenance position.

[0091] If, on the other hand, successive envelopes are fed into themailing machine 90, either manually or by means of an automatic feeder,the above cycle simply repeats for each successive envelope, at the endof which the microprocessor 980 energizes the motor 962 to return theprinting module 950 to the maintenance position. It should beunderstood, however, that the microprocessor 980 can be set to stop theoperation of the feed belt after any predetermined number of printingoperations, and to cause the printing module 950 to return momentarilyto the maintenance position to permit the nozzle plate to be cleaned.

[0092] If the user has an envelope which, for one reason or another,cannot be fed through the mailing machine 90, he/she again presses theenvelope/tape selector switch 982 to select the tape printing mode, andalso activates the single/multiple printing switch 986 to select betweena single printing operation or some plurality thereof. He/she thenpresses the start button 988, which causes the microprocessor 980 toenergize the motor 962 to move the printing module 950 to the printingposition, which is different than the maintenance position. When theprinting module 950 reaches this position, as determined by the Hallsensor 979, the microprocessor 980 activates the motor 947 to drive thefeed rollers, so as to move a section of the tape beneath the printingmodule 950, during which another encoder 985, connected to the driveroller of the tape drive monitors the movement of the tape along itsfeed path.

[0093] When the encoder 985 determines that a prescribed section of tapeis in the proper position to receive the postage indicia, themicroprocessor 980 causes the printing module 950 to cycle through aprinting operation in the same manner as that described above forprinting the postage indicia on an envelope, with the encoder 985,through the microprocessor 980, controlling the operation of the inkejection devices to ensure the printing of a high quality postageindicia, again the same as described above for printing on an envelope.The printer module 950 can be positioned to print additional informationsuch as slogan information. When the printing operation is complete, themicroprocessor 980 terminates operation of the printing module 950,activates an appropriate severing device (not shown) and causes therollers to eject the severed strip of tape from the mailing machine. Themicroprocessor then activates the motor 962 to return the printingmodule 950 to the maintenance position, unless the operator hasactivated the single/multiple switch 986 to select the multiple printmode, in which case the microprocessor 980 will permit the printingmodule 950 to repeat the printing operation a predetermined number oftimes before it is automatically returned to the maintenance position. Aprint detection circuit 922 detects print material that is on themailing medium, i.e., envelope, tape, postcard or label. The detectioncircuit 922 provides that information to the printhead transport 962 tocontrol the print module 950. Thus, if the mailing medium has forexample, a barcode, a transparent window, or return address data printedthereon, the print module 950 will not print in that area of the mediumthat is not available to be printed on. Dimension detection circuit 918is coupled to microprocessor 980 and detects the dimensions of themedium to be printed on. The dimension detection circuit 918 can be, forexample, one or more photocells that determine the size of the mailingmedium, can detect whether a #10 business envelope, BRE (business replyenvelope), envelope with transparent window, postcard, or mailing labelis to be printed.

[0094] It is an embodiment of the present invention that the PC 920,microprocessor 980 and printhead 950 can operate as a printing terminalthat prints information retrieved from remote locations with theInternet 912. In this manner, conventional mail meter components are notnecessary. The PC 920 is typically connected to network 912, which isany network of computers, such as the Internet. Internet service isprovided via interconnection 916 through a service provider (ISP orIAP).

[0095] The combination of the print detection module 922 and thedimension detection module 918 enable the mailing machine 90 to outputan appropriately printed medium based on the dimensions of the mediumand any data or other aspects of the medium i.e., window in envelopethat affect available surface area of the envelope.

[0096] The apparatus for printing on a medium can comprise variousfunctional capabilities. For example, means for detecting a type ofmedium include photocells, medium detection circuit and any circuitrythat detects whether the type of envelope or tape is to be printed on.Means for positioning a print module at a particular position includethe control circuitry connected to the print module. This controlfunction can also be accomplished by a microprocessor, as shown hereinor other processing arrangement. Means for printing postal indicia datainclude a print module, inkjet printhead, laser or LED printhead or anysuitable apparatus that prints ink or a bar code on a medium. Means forobtaining data include for example, a processor retrieving data from amemory location or other PC or microprocessor that interfaces with amemory or storage location.

[0097] A personal computer (PC), such as a laptop or desktop computer,920 can be operatively connected to microprocessor 980. The PC 920 maybe, for example, a commercially available general purpose computer suchas a windows-type or MacIntosh-type computer, equipped with a desktopbrowser that enables the user to “surf the Net”. The PC 920 may alsoinclude a display device for example a monitor, which is suitably acathode ray tube (CRT) display, or a liquid crystal (LCD) screen; dataprocessor; input device 118; and other peripheral devices. The CRTdevice provides a screen to display data to an operator. The inputdevice, which is typically a keyboard and/or a mouse enables theoperator to enter data. The processor has memory, such as a RAM or ROM,and adequate speed to store and retrieve data. Typically a Pentium IIIprocessor is preferred; but the processor capacity depends on thequantity of data to be stored and accessed. The PC 920 can control theprinthead 950 so that the printhead 950 prints on the medium accordingto instructions retrieved from the PC 920. PC 920 stores informationsuch as postal regulations and requirements. This information can bedownloaded from the U.S. Postal Service website over the Internet andstored on PC 920. The PC 920 can be programmed to retrieve informationfrom the Postal Service website at predetermined time intervals, such asonce a day, thereby ensuring that the data downloaded to printhead 950is current with the latest U.S. Postal Service regulations. Thisembodiment obviates the need for a vault, gate keeper, user interfaceand sophisticated printing mechanism, which greatly simplifies themailing machine since the print module is controlled by the PC. When theapparatus described herein is in operation, the mailing medium is movingthrough the machine. Thus, the print head moves from a maintenanceposition to a first position. This first position is typically such thatindicia and additional information such as slogan information, postagerate information and the like are printed on the medium. The print headis then moved to a second position. In this position recipient addressinformation is printed. Also, other additional information, such asother slogans or the like can be printed since the medium is movingthrough the apparatus. The printhead can then be moved into the firstposition to print other information at a different area of the medium.

[0098] The present invention has been described in terms of printing onenvelopes, tapes and labels. Typically the mailing labels have a surfacewith an adhesive. The labels are typically mailing labels withdimensions such as 3 inches×5 inches, 4 inches×6 inches or 8 inches×10inches, or any suitable size. The postal indicia, slogan information,recipient's address, other slogan information and sender's address canbe printed on the label if size permits. The tape dimensions can alsovary, and the larger the tape, the more information that can be printedthereon.

[0099] While the present invention has been disclosed and described withreference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent, as noted abovethat variations and modifications may be made therein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of printing on a medium comprising thesteps of: detecting a type of medium; entering a printing mode as afunction of the type of medium detected in the detecting step, theprinting mode being either an envelope printing mode or a tape printingmode, when in the envelope printing mode: positioning a print module ata first position; printing postal indicia data on a first area of theenvelope; positioning the print module at a second position; obtainingadditional data; printing the additional data on a second area of theenvelope; positioning the print module at the first position; obtainingrecipient address data; and printing the recipient address data on athird area of the envelope; positioning the print module at a thirdposition; obtaining sender address information; and printing the senderaddress information on a fourth area of the envelope.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: when in the tape printing mode: positioningthe print module at a fourth position; and printing indicia on a firstportion of the tape.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:positioning the print module at a fifth position; obtaining additionaltape information; and printing the additional tape information on asecond portion of the tape.
 4. A method of printing on an envelopecomprising the steps of: a first positioning step of positioning a printmodule at a first position; a first printing step of printing postalindicia information on a first area of the envelope; a secondpositioning step of positioning the print module at a second position;and a second printing step of printing a second type of information on asecond area of the envelope.
 5. The method according to claim 4, furthercomprising: a third positioning step of positioning the print module ata third position; and a third printing step of printing a third type ofinformation on a third area of the envelope.
 6. The method according toclaim 5, further comprising: a fourth positioning step of positioningthe print module at a fourth position; and a fourth printing step ofprinting a fourth type of information at a fourth area of the envelope.7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising receiving theinformation to be printed on the envelope from a user interface.
 8. Themethod according to claim 6, further comprising grouping information tobe printed in a batch format.
 9. The method according to claim 6,further comprising, obtaining at least a portion of the information tobe printed on the envelope from a memory medium provided by a user. 10.The method according to claim 6, further comprising retrieving theinformation to be printed on the envelope from a memory location. 11.The method according to claim 4, further comprising multiplexing betweenprinting secure and non-secure information.
 12. The method of claim 4,wherein the second printing step of printing comprises printing changeof address information.
 13. The method of claim 4, wherein the secondprinting step comprises printing slogan information.
 14. The method ofclaim 4, wherein the second printing step comprises printing temporaryaddress information.
 15. The method of claim 4, wherein the secondprinting step comprises printing mail stop information.
 16. The methodof claim 4, wherein the second step of printing comprises printingcontact information.
 17. The method of claim 4, wherein the second stepof printing comprises printing advertisement information.
 18. The methodof claim 4, wherein the second step of printing comprises printing timedata.
 19. The method of claim 4, wherein the second step of printingcomprises printing a message that additional postage is required. 20.The method of claim 4, wherein the second step of printing comprisesprinting license information.
 21. The method of claim 4, wherein thefirst step of printing indicia includes printing secure information. 22.The method of claim 4, wherein the first printing step of printingindicia on the first area of the envelope includes printing postal rateinformation.
 23. The method of claim 4, further comprising: positioninga second print module on an opposite side of the envelope from the firstposition; and printing information on the opposite side of the envelope.24. The method of claim 4, further comprising: a tape positioning stepof positioning the print module at a tape-printing position and printingindicia on a tape.
 25. The method according to claim 24, furthercomprising: a second tape positioning step of positioning the printmodule at a second-tape printing position; and printing additional dataon the tape.
 26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising: athird-tape positioning step of positioning the print module at a thirdtape printing position; and printing return address data on the tape.27. A method of printing on a medium that has an adhesive surfacecomprising the steps of: a first positioning step of positioning a printmodule at a first position; a first printing step of printing postalindicia on a first area of the medium; a second positioning step ofpositioning the print module at a second position; and a second printingstep of printing second information on a second area of the medium. 28.The method according to claim 27, further comprising: a thirdpositioning step of positioning the print module; and a third printingstep of printing third information on a third area of the medium. 29.The method according to claim 28, further comprising receiving theinformation to be printed on the medium from a user interface.
 30. Themethod according to claim 28, further comprising grouping information tobe printed in a batch format.
 31. The method according to claim 28,further comprising, obtaining at least a portion of the information tobe printed on the medium from a memory medium provided by a user. 32.The method according to claim 28, further comprising retrieving theinformation to be printed on the medium from a memory location.
 33. Themethod according to claim 28, further comprising multiplexing betweenprinting secure and non-secure information.
 34. The method of claim 27,wherein the second printing step comprises printing change of addressinformation.
 35. The method of claim 27, wherein the second printingstep comprises printing slogan information.
 36. The method of claim 27,wherein the second printing step comprises printing temporary addressinformation.
 37. The method of claim 27, wherein the second printingstep comprises printing mail stop information.
 38. The method of claim27, wherein the second printing step comprises printing contactinformation.
 39. The method of claim 27, wherein the second printingstep comprises printing advertisement information.
 40. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the second printing step comprises printing time data.41. The method of claim 27, wherein the second printing step comprisesprinting a message that additional postage is required.
 42. The methodof claim 27, wherein the second printing step comprises printing licenseinformation.
 43. The method of claim 27, wherein the first step ofprinting indicia includes printing secure information.
 44. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the first printing step of printing indicia on thefirst area of the medium includes printing postal rate information. 45.The method of claim 27, further comprising inputting return addressinformation to be printed on the medium.
 46. An apparatus for printingon a medium comprising: a first support member adapted to support afirst medium; a second support member adapted to support a secondmedium; a detection module adapted to detect one of the first medium orthe second medium; and a print module adapted to print data on thedetected medium, wherein when the detection module detects the firstmedium, the print module is disposed in a first position to print postalindicia data on a first area of the first medium, and the print moduleis then positioned in a second position to print second data on a secondarea of the first medium.
 47. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein whenthe detection module detects the first medium is present, the printmodule is disposed in a third position to print third data on a thirdarea of the first medium.
 48. The apparatus of claim 46 furthercomprising: a database, operatively connected to the print module,wherein the print module accesses data to be printed on the medium fromthe database.
 49. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein when thedetection module detects the second medium, the print module is disposedin a tape printing position to print data on the second medium.
 50. Theapparatus according to claim 49, wherein the print module is disposed ina second tape printing position to print second data at a secondlocation of the second medium.
 51. The apparatus of claim 46, furthercomprising: a second print module positioned on an opposite side of theenvelope from the first position, wherein the second print module printsinformation on the opposite side of the envelope.
 52. The apparatus ofclaim 46, wherein the printing module prints change of addressinformation.
 53. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the printing moduleprints slogan information.
 54. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein theprinting module prints temporary address information.
 55. The apparatusof claim 46, wherein the printing module prints mail stop information.56. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the printing module printscontact information.
 57. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the printingmodule prints advertisement information.
 58. The apparatus of claim 46,wherein the printing module prints time data.
 59. The apparatus of claim46, wherein the printing module prints a message that additional postageis required.
 60. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein the printing moduleprints license information.
 61. The apparatus of claim 46, wherein theprinting module prints secure information.
 62. The apparatus of claim46, wherein the print module prints postal rate information.
 63. Theapparatus of claim 46, wherein the detection module determinesinformation printed on the medium; and the print module printsinformation on the medium according to the determination of thedetection module.
 64. A method of printing on a medium comprising thesteps of: determining a type of medium; determining dimensions of themedium; a first positioning step of positioning a print module at afirst position; a first printing step of printing postal indiciainformation on a first area of the medium; when the dimensions of themedium exceed a first threshold: a second positioning step ofpositioning the print module at a second position; and a second printingstep of printing second information on a second area of the medium; whenthe dimensions of the medium exceed a second threshold, the secondthreshold being larger than the first threshold: a third positioningstep of positioning the print module at a third position; and a thirdprinting step of printing third information on a third area of themedium.
 65. The method of claim 64, further comprising: detecting thepresence or absence of a destination address on the medium; andpositioning the print module as a function of the detection.
 66. Themethod as claimed in claim 64, further comprising: detecting thepresence or absence of a return address on the medium; and positioningthe print module as a function of the detection.
 67. The method of claim64, further comprising retrieving information that is printed by theprint module from a memory.
 68. The method of claim 64 furthercomprising: storing return address information with an associatedrecipient address; and retrieving the return address data from memory;and printing the return address information as additional data.
 69. Anapparatus for printing on a medium comprising: means for detecting atype of medium when a first type of medium is detected: means forpositioning a print module at a first position; means for printingpostal indicia data on a first area of the first type of medium; meansfor positioning the print module at a second position; means forobtaining additional data; means for printing the additional data on asecond area of the first type of medium; means for positioning the printmodule at a third position; means for obtaining recipient address data;and means for printing the recipient address data on a third area of thefirst type of medium; means for positioning the print module at a fourthposition; means for obtaining sender address information; and means forprinting the sender address information on a fourth area of the firsttype of medium.
 70. The apparatus of claim 69, further comprising: whena second type of medium is detected: means for positioning the printmodule at a fifth position; and means for printing indicia on a firstportion of the second type of medium.
 71. The apparatus of claim 70,further comprising: means for positioning the print module at a sixthposition; means for obtaining additional tape information; and means forprinting the additional tape information on a second portion of thesecond type of medium.
 72. An apparatus for printing on an envelopecomprising: means for positioning a print module at a first position;means for printing postal indicia information on a first area of theenvelope; means for positioning the print module at a second position;and means for printing a second type of information on a second area ofthe envelope.
 73. The apparatus according to claim 72, furthercomprising: means for positioning the print module at a third position;and means for printing a third type of information on a third area ofthe envelope.
 74. The apparatus according to claim 73, furthercomprising: means for positioning the print module at a fourth position;and means for printing a fourth type of information at a fourth area ofthe envelope.
 75. The apparatus according to claim 72, furthercomprising means for receiving the information to be printed on theenvelope from a user interface.
 76. The apparatus according to claim 72,further comprising, means for obtaining at least a portion of theinformation to be printed on the envelope from a memory medium providedby a user.
 77. The apparatus according to claim 72, further comprisingmeans for multiplexing between printing secure and non-secureinformation.
 78. The apparatus according to claim 72, furthercomprising: means for positioning a second print module on an oppositeside of the envelope from the first position; and means for printinginformation on the opposite side of the envelope.
 79. The apparatus ofclaim 72, further comprising: means for positioning the print module ata tape-printing position and means for printing indicia on a tape. 80.The apparatus according to claim 79, further comprising: means forpositioning the print module at a second-tape printing position; andmeans for printing additional data on the tape.
 81. The apparatusaccording to claim 80, further comprising: means for positioning theprint module at a third tape printing position; and means for printingother data on the tape.
 82. An apparatus for printing on a medium thathas an adhesive surface comprising: means for positioning a print moduleat a first position; means for printing postal indicia on a first areaof the medium; means for positioning the print module at a secondposition; and means for printing second information on a second area ofthe medium.
 83. The apparatus according to claim 82, further comprising:means for positioning a print module at a third position; and means forprinting third information on a third area of the medium.
 84. Theapparatus according to claim 83, further comprising means for receivingthe information to be printed on the medium from a user interface. 85.An apparatus for printing on a medium comprising: means for determininga type of medium; means for determining dimensions of the medium; meansfor positioning a print module at a first position; means for printingpostal indicia information on a first area of the medium; when thedimensions of the medium exceed a first threshold: means for positioningthe print module at a second position; and means for printing secondinformation on a second area of the medium; when the dimensions of themedium exceed a second threshold, the second threshold being larger thanthe first threshold: means for positioning the print module at a thirdposition; and means for printing third information on a third area ofthe medium.
 86. The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising: means fordetecting the presence or absence of a destination address on themedium; and means for positioning the print module as a function of thedetection.
 87. The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising: means fordetecting the presence or absence of a return address on the medium; andmeans for positioning the print module as a function of the detection.88. The apparatus of claim 85, further comprising means for retrievinginformation that is printed by the print module from a memory.
 89. Theapparatus of claim 85 further comprising: means for storing returnaddress information with an associated recipient address; and means forretrieving the return address data; and means for printing the returnaddress information as third information.
 90. An apparatus for printingon a medium comprising: a support member adapted to support a medium; aprint module positioned to print on the medium while the medium isdisposed on the support member; a processor, operatively connected tothe print module, adapted to provide control instructions to the printmodule such that the print module prints postal indicia on a first areaof the medium, additional information on a second area of the medium andrecipient address information on a third area of the medium.
 91. Theapparatus of claim 90, wherein the print module prints second additionalinformation on a fourth area of the medium.
 92. The apparatus of claim90, wherein the print module prints sender information on a fifth areaof the medium.
 93. A method of printing on a medium comprising: sensinga type of medium that is to be printed on; positioning a print module ata first position based on the type of medium sensed in the sensing step;printing postal indicia information on the medium; positioning the printmodule at a second position; and printing second information on themedium retrieved from a remote location via a network.
 94. The methodaccording to claim 93, further comprising; positioning the print moduleat a third position; and printing third information on the mediumretrieved from a remote location via a network.
 95. The method accordingto claim 94, further comprising; positioning the print module at afourth position; and printing fourth information on the medium retrievedfrom a remote location via a network.
 96. The method according to claim93, further comprising multiplexing between secure and non-secureinformation.
 97. The method according to claim 93, wherein the secondinformation includes change of address information.
 98. The methodaccording to claim 93, wherein the second information includes sloganinformation.
 99. The method of claim 93, wherein the second informationincludes temporary address information.
 100. The method of claim 93,wherein the second information printing step comprises printing mailstop information.
 101. The method of claim 93, wherein the second stepof printing comprises printing contact information.
 102. The method ofclaim 93, wherein the second step of printing comprises printingadvertisement information.
 103. The method of claim 93, wherein thesecond step of printing comprises printing time data.
 104. The method ofclaim 93, wherein the second step of printing comprises printing amessage that additional postage is required.
 105. The method of claim93, wherein the second step of printing comprises printing licenseinformation.
 106. The method of claim 93, wherein the first step ofprinting indicia includes printing secure information.
 107. The methodof claim 93, wherein the first printing step of printing indicia on thefirst area of the medium includes printing postal rate information. 108.The method of claim 93, further comprising: positioning a second printmodule on an opposite side of the medium from the first position; andprinting information on the opposite side of the medium.
 109. The methodof claim 93, further comprising: a tape positioning step of positioningthe print module at a tape-printing position and printing indicia on atape.
 110. The method according to claim 109, further comprising: asecond tape positioning step of positioning the print module at asecond-tape printing position; and printing additional data on the tape.111. The method according to claim 110, further comprising: a third-tapepositioning step of positioning the print module; and printing returnaddress data on a third area of the tape.
 112. An apparatus for printingon a medium comprising: a sensing circuit adapted to sense a type ofmedium that is to be printed on; a processor unit coupled to a network,the processor adapted to receive data from one or more remote locations;and a print unit, operatively coupled to the processor unit, to changeposition and print data, wherein the print unit is positioned at a firstposition and prints postal indicia information on a first area of themedium, and the print unit is positioned at a second position and printssecond information that was received by the processor unit from a remotelocation via a network.
 113. The apparatus according to claim 112wherein the print unit is positioned at the first position and printsthird information that was received by the processor unit from a remotelocation via a network.